University of Toronto applauds Ontario government for investing in higher education

The University of Toronto applauds the Ontario government's investment in post-secondary funding during these times of fiscal constraint, the University announced today following the tabling of the 2010 Ontario budget.

In identifying education as a top priority for the government, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is laying the foundation for the future prosperity of Ontario and Canada, said UofT President David Naylor. We commend the Ontario government for its decision to invest in talented students who will drive innovation and productivity in years to come for Ontario's knowledge-based economy.

The budget contained a number of key initiatives for post-secondary institutions, including $155 million to support enrolment growth at Ontario's post-secondary institutions through 2009-2010. In addition, the government is providing $310 million for new spaces at Ontario's universities and colleges in 2010-2011.

The budget also reiterated a proposal first contained in the March 8 Speech from the Throne to develop a plan to promote Ontario internationally as a destination for post-secondary education.

We look forward to receiving further details from the government on this proposal to promote Ontario as an international destination for quality higher education, Naylor said.

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto today operates in downtown Toronto, Mississauga and Scarborough, as well as in ten renowned academic hospitals. The University of Toronto has assembled one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America, presenting top students at all levels with an intellectual environment unmatched in breadth and depth on any other Canadian campus. UofT faculty co-author more research articles than their colleagues at any university in the U.S. or Canada other than Harvard. As a measure of impact, UofT consistently ranks alongside the top five U.S. universities whose discoveries are most often cited by other researchers around the world. The UofT faculty are also widely recognized for their teaching strengths and commitment to graduate supervision.